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March 10, 2014

Second Annual Be Cruelty-Free Week Launches in 12 Countries

Aims to raise awareness of the need to end animal testing for cosmetics in the U.S. and around the globe

Editors Note: The Humane Cosmetics Act HR 4148 has acquired a lead Republican sponsor on the bill, Michael Grimm, R-NY.

The global Be Cruelty-Free campaign to end animal testing for cosmetics launches its second annual Be Cruelty-Free Week with an infographic providing the tools to take action, the support of actress, dancer and former model Jenna Dewan Tatum, a video featuring cruelty-free beauty bloggers and a special promotion with Vegan Cuts.

The launch falls on the one year anniversary of the European Union sales ban on animal-tested cosmetics. Such testing is still legal and in some cases even mandatory in around 80 percent of countries around the world, including the U.S.

To reach and engage millions of consumers around the world, The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International are releasing a Be Cruelty-Freeinfographic in 12 countries and eight languages. The infographic provides consumers with the latest information about the issue of animal testing for cosmetics, our global efforts and how to take action worldwide.

Jenna Dewan Tatum, star of Lifetime’s Witches of East End, lends her voice and face to the animals in a recent behind the scenes video where she speaks to unnecessary and inhumane animal testing for cosmetics, and the need to put an end to this practice. Tatum also appears on The HSUS’ Be Cruelty-Freebillboard shot by celebrity photographer Don Flood, which is set to run until March 30 on Fairfax Ave. at Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles. (Photos and b-roll are available for media download by emailing media contact below.)

Tatum told The HSUS: “I truly hope that in this day and age, the United States will follow other amazing countries that have already banned cosmetic testing. We as a global leader have not done that yet. That is absolutely disgusting to me.”

The Be Cruelty-Free campaign is dedicated to helping consumers shop with compassion and in celebration of Be Cruelty-Free week, the campaign is partnering with Vegan Cuts to offer a limited edition beauty box with seven full-size products from internationally recognized Leaping Bunny companies making cosmetic and personal care products following the strictest cruelty-free standards.

Several international cruelty-free beauty bloggers including Pirouette Makeup, tyrannosauruslexxx, Vegan Beauty Review, My Beauty Bunny, Phyrra Nyx and Logical Harmony, who are experts on this issue and advocate for an end to animal testing, joined forces to create a video with advice on cruelty-free cosmetics and how to rid your bathroom of all animal-tested products. These beauty experts love make-up but hate animal suffering, and have thousands of dedicated online followers who share their passion.

“Public engagement has been the way to success in many countries and will lead to more victories for the animals, adding to the list of countries prohibiting animal tested cosmetics,” says Pascaline Clerc, senior director of animal research issues for The HSUS. “As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the HSUS, we are eager to see millions of consumers across the world to help us put an end to animal testing and compel cosmetic companies to use humane cutting-edge technologies.”

The global Be Cruelty-Free campaign is working toward the day when consumers will not need to check labels because all cosmetics will be safe and cruelty-free.

FACTS:

In the U.S., the Humane Cosmetics Act, the first-ever legislation to prohibit the manufacture and sale of animal-tested cosmetics, was recently introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Jim Moran, D-VA. Those who want to support this bill can take action now.

Members of the cosmetic industry such as Jack Black, Aubrey Organics, Biao Skincare and LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics have joined The HSUS, HSI and Humane Society Legislative Fund in pledging their support for this bill. If passed, the Humane Cosmetics Act (H.R. 4148) would bring the U.S. up to speed with a global trend that is moving away from animal tested cosmetics.

Across North America, more than 500 personal care products companies have adopted humane manufacturing policies by choosing from thousands of ingredients with a history of safe use and do not require additional testing. These companies are compassionate and remain innovative by testing new ingredients developed using advanced scientific methods which are faster, cheaper and more reliable predictors of human safety.

Scientists around the world have made, and continue to make, tremendous progress in developing alternatives, which can fully or partially replace animal testing. Unlike animal tests, these new alternatives will improve over time.